Early childhood water event allows little ones to interact

Friday

Jul 19, 2013 at 11:13 AMJul 19, 2013 at 11:18 AM

The Infant-Toddler Center had its annual Water Fun Day Thursday. The event included a variety of activities aimed at children 3 years old and younger, such as shaving cream easels, sidewalk chalk, a swimming pool and a sprinkler.

By Josh ArnettStaff Writer

The Infant-Toddler Center had its annual Water Fun Day Thursday. The event included a variety of activities aimed at children 3 years old and younger, such as shaving cream easels, sidewalk chalk, a swimming pool and a sprinkler.Debbie Johnson, who works at the center and coordinated the event, said events like Water Fun Day give small children a place to have fun, since equipment at other parks is often too big.The center has put on Water Fun Day for more than 10 years. Rhea Lyle of McPherson said she brought her son, James, age 18 months, so he could socialize with other children.“He’s an only child, so he gets to learn to play with others,” Lyle said.Justine Dalke of McPherson said she brings her daughters Laura, 3, and Juliette, 2, to the center’s playgroup for the same reason. Johnson said learning to get along with others is an important skill for children to develop.“We learn through experience,” Johnson said. “If you don’t have any experiences and you get to preschool, you’re behind.”Johnson said the center’s activities also give mothers a chance to meet. Erin Lundstrom of Lindsborg said that was one reason she decided to bring her sons Carter, 2, and Beckett, 1, to the event.“We’re just excited to meet some other families and meet some kids to play with,” Lundstrom said.The center’s playgroup will begin Sept. 5 and meet during school days. The center’s playground also is open to all children with adult supervision.